Beyond the Pilot: How to Lead an AI Transformation That Sticks

Hunter Lee Canning
Hunter Lee Canning
October 14, 2026 02:00 PM EDT
October 14, 2026 02:00 PM EDT
Virtual

Most AI initiatives don’t fail because of the technology. They fail because companies underestimate how much the right people, in the right roles, with the right implementation support around them, actually matter. In this session, leaders from across industries will share what separates organizations that scale AI successfully from those that don’t, including real examples of transformations that built lasting internal capability and left teams confident enough to own the work themselves.

Topics will include:

  • AI initiatives stall on people and process, not technology. The organizations that scale successfully are the ones that invest as much in the right roles and implementation support as they do in the model itself, because that's usually where the gap actually shows up.
  • Scaling AI means building internal capability, not just running a pilot. The difference between a one-off proof of concept and a lasting transformation comes down to whether teams develop the skills and ownership to carry the work forward on their own.
  • Confidence is the real marker of success. The organizations that get AI transformation right leave their teams feeling equipped and trusted to own the work themselves, rather than dependent on outside support to keep it running.

This event will be eligible for SHRM credits.

Meet The Speaker

Hunter Lee Canning
Hunter Lee Canning
Founder of Plumwheel & PowerToFly Virtual Event Host
Hunter Lee Canning (he/they) is allergic to corporate jargon and proud of it. With two decades in Hollywood and over 800 virtual events hosted, Hunter delivers no-BS keynotes showing B2B teams how to break free from boring 'professional' presentations. As the queer, neurodiverse founder of Plumwheel, Hunter has perfected this approach by turning conversations into compelling video campaigns that boost engagement 300% for growing companies and enterprises. Sales teams love them, CFOs fund them. Go figure. You can connect with Hunter on LinkedIn.